Evidence supporting the use of: Northern Prickly Ash
For the body system: Capillaries

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Northern Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly by Native American groups and early American herbalists. The bark and berries of the plant were commonly used as a stimulating tonic, reputed to support circulation and vascular health, including the health of capillaries. Historical sources such as the Eclectic physicians of the 19th and early 20th centuries recommended Prickly Ash for "torpid" (sluggish) circulation, cold extremities, and to support weakened blood vessels. The theoretical basis was that Prickly Ash acts as a circulatory stimulant, thus supporting blood flow through small vessels like capillaries.

However, there is minimal scientific research specifically focused on the effects of Northern Prickly Ash on capillary integrity or function. While some in vitro studies on related Zanthoxylum species indicate possible anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects, these have not been directly linked to capillary health in humans or even in animal models. No clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies have been published to confirm the traditional claims. Therefore, while its use for capillary support is grounded in tradition, scientific validation is lacking and evidence remains anecdotal or historical in nature.

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